Tag Archives: automotive blog

CARB Adopts Rules Supporting Use of E15 Gasoline

Posted on 25 September 2026 by Ken Zino

California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopts amendments to gasoline regulations to support the availability and use of E15 fuel Continue reading →

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Gasoline Prices Heading for New September Record!

Posted on 24 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Gasoline is up ~5 cents from last week as the Trump mis-administration policies continue to, well, bomb – AutoCrat. Continue reading →

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ACEA – Hybrids Top August EU Car Registrations

Posted on 24 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Hybrid-electric vehicles again ranked as the most popular powertrain choice amongst buyers during August 2026. Battery-electric cars accounted for 21.7% of new EU car registrations. Continue reading →

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By the Seat of Their Pants – Premium Seats Lag in Quality?

Posted on 23 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Along with findings from the JD Power 2026 U.S. APEAL Study, which show premium brands no longer hold a clear advantage across key ownership attributes, this year’s results reveal that mass market brands now outperform premiums in seat satisfaction Continue reading →

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California Keeps Growing as It Cuts Climate Emissions Again

Posted on 21 September 2026 by Ken Zino

The science behind climate change is unassailable. California has tracked the impacts of climate change on the state for more than two decades finding rapidly accelerating effects. With the increasing severity and frequency of drought, wildfire, extreme heat, and other impacts, I personally observed during decades or working and traveling there and elsewhere nationally or internationally that  climate change is real and precipitously worsening. – AutoCrat. Continue reading →

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Chrysler Recalls 97,349 Jeeps for Flying Roof Racks

Posted on 21 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Chrysler is recalling more than 97,000 model year 2022-2026 Jeeps for roof racks flying off. Continue reading →

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November Michigan Ballot Proposals – UAW Con and Pro

Posted on 19 September 2026 by Ken Zino

“Nothing has shaped the current corrupt state of our government like the rise of corporate money and influence,” said UAW President Shawn Fain on the Union’s endorsement of Proposal 2. “Billionaires and corporations are pouring billions of dollars into our elections in America this year alone. They do it to rig the system in their favor, and working-class families pay the price.” Continue reading →

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Vehicle Affordability Still Worrying Despite Wage Increases

Posted on 17 September 2026 by Ken Zino

“While wage growth is good news for consumers impacted by inflation and high gas prices, vehicle affordability continues to be a strong concern,” said AEG senior consultant Cristina Benton, Ph.D. “Consumers are increasingly gravitating toward more affordable vehicle models, pressured by average new vehicle transaction prices holding at or near $50,000 since late 2022. This trend is exacerbated by household budgets that remain squeezed by rising costs for housing, health care, insurance, groceries, and gas.” Continue reading →

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TRUMPED! AAA – Pump Prices Continue Rising

Posted on 17 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Crude oil remains high, averaging $100 per barrel amid continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz and other areas or President Trump’s losing war against Iran, as well as other  policy failures Gas prices are now they were during spring 2026. The trend is clear; the national average is about to reach this year’s record high of $4.56 set on 21 May 21. The all-time high for the national average is $5.01 set on 14 June 2022. Passing it appears certain. – AutoCrat Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls 150,000 Mustangs for Sudden Drive Power Loss

Posted on 7 September 2026 by Ken Zino

“In affected vehicles, the engine compartment wiring harness ground eyelet terminals may experience fatigue fracture. Depending on which ground eyelet fractures, this condition may result in a loss of motive power, loss of right and/or left headlamps, loss of windshield washer fluid pump function, loss of air conditioning, and/or an inoperable engine cooling fan,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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Acura Branded Honda to Race IndyCar Freedom 250 in DC

Posted on 20 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The Acura brand is returning to the NTT IndyCar Series for the fourth time this season with 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson driving the #28 Andretti Global Acura-branded Honda at the Freedom 250 race next weekend in Washington DC. Ericsson will make a special appearance at Chevy Chase Acura in Bethesda, Maryland on Thursday 20 August from 3-5 PM. Continue reading →

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AAA – August 20 Gasoline Prices Highest Ever!

Posted on 20 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up 3 cents from last week at $4.10, according to the latest data compiled by AAA.* This the highest ever been for August 20.

“This August is shaping up to be the highest on record. So far, the monthly average is $4.06, currently surpassing 2022 when the monthly average for August was $3.97. Even though gasoline demand is down, which is typical for this time of year, crude oil is pushing up the national average. Crude oil prices remain in the $80 per barrel range amid continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz,” AAA said. Continue reading →

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AAA Foundation – Speeding and Counter Measures Growing

Posted on 19 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Findings from this research show that some drivers in the United States view speeding as a normal part of driving,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.” When people take cues from surrounding traffic instead of following posted speed limits, it creates a culture that makes crashes more difficult to prevent and roads less safe for everyone.” Continue reading →

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First Look – 2027 Toyota Corolla 60th Anniversary Edition

Posted on 18 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Since its debut in Japan in 1966, the Corolla has grown from a compact car designed for a rapidly changing world into one of the most significant vehicles in Toyota history,” Toyota said in a news release.

“Along the way, Corolla helped introduce Toyota to drivers around the world, becoming a familiar presence on roads and in driveways across generations. Through six decades of change, it has continued to evolve alongside the people who drive it,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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August 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast – Fog of War

Posted on 18 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The fog of war is in the latest global light vehicle production forecast released today by Mobility Global.* “The global auto industry is holding up better than many expected, with small near-term upgrades in several regions, partly offset by meaningful … Continue reading →

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